Imported Eco-Friendly Cars Surpass 60,000 Units Sold Last Year

Imported Hybrid Sales Exceed 46,000 Units
Electric Vehicle Sales Surge Amid Tesla Popularity

Tesla Model 3.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Last year, sales of imported eco-friendly vehicles surpassed 60,000 units. Both hybrid models and electric vehicle sales showed significant growth, driving the expansion of the domestic eco-friendly car market.

According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) on the 10th, sales of imported hybrid and electric vehicles last year reached 49,812 units, a 65.5% increase compared to the previous year. Hybrid vehicles increased by 67.6% to 46,455 units, and electric vehicles rose by 41.7% to 3,357 units. Adding Tesla's sales volume (11,826 units, according to Kaizu Data Research Institute), which is not included in KAIDA statistics, the total sales of imported eco-friendly models last year exceeded 60,000 units.

Among hybrid models, Mercedes-Benz's performance stood out. Mercedes-Benz placed five models within the top 10 imported hybrid model sales last year. The best-selling model was the Mercedes-Benz E 300 e 4MATIC (950 units), followed by the E 350 4MATIC (614 units, 3rd place), GLC 300 e 4MATIC Coupe (557 units, 4th place), GLC 300 e 4MATIC (520 units, 5th place), and CLS 450 4MATIC (464 units, 6th place).

Among electric vehicles, Tesla's performance was particularly remarkable. Excluding Tesla, imported electric vehicle sales increased from 2,369 units in 2019 to 3,357 units in 2020, an increase of about 1,000 units. During the same period, Tesla's sales surged nearly fivefold from 2,430 units to 11,826 units. Especially, the Tesla Model 3 alone sold 11,003 units, achieving an impressive result as a single model.

This year, the selection of imported electric vehicles, which had been limited in lineup, is expected to expand further. Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce the EQA and EQS, BMW will showcase the iX3 and iX, and Audi will present the e-tron Sportback. Tesla, which achieved great success last year, is expected to launch the Model Y in the first quarter.

An industry insider said, "This year, fierce competition in the electric vehicle market is expected regardless of domestic or imported cars," adding, "For imported cars, it will be interesting to see the impact of the government's reduction of subsidies for high-priced electric vehicle models."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.